X is for Xmas.

Yes, I know we're still in October, but now is the time to start thinking about packing a bit of Christmas care.

It helps that the stores have already started their spruiking, and there are quite a few interesting little goodies on display.

My local Kmart has mini plum puddings at $3.00 each, for example. There are the inevitable tins of shortbread bikkies (yum), including a small tin with Marilyn Monroe on it for just under $6.

The santa stockings full of chocolates and lollies, santa hats, and plenty more. I didn't take a good look, although I did snaffle a couple of the mini puddings. They weigh in at 127g each, which is a nice little mouthful.

I've not looked at tinsels and things yet - I will save that for the next couple of weeks while I scout out the merchandise.

In case you think I'm being premature, I prefer to allow around 3 weeks for a care package to get to its destination.

Feel free to offer suggestions, and we'll start up a post to share them.

E is for East Timor.

If you look in the sidebar, you'll see we've added an address. Since we've also got people in East Timor, I figured it was about time to provide some details for sending to there, too. While we don't hear much about what's happening up there, our Diggers have been there for ages.

Time to send them some love, too!

“An Australian Soldier”
OP ASTUTE
AFPO 5
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890

As I've discovered, there are a few restrictions on what you can send to East Timor.

According to my information, things not to send include:
Coins, currency, firearms, weapons, ammo (this is a no-brainer, but I guess some people don't have brains), firs, ivory, jewellery, perfume, pornography, drugs, dyes (??), parasites and insect killers, cigarettes, alcohol and most importantly.... cordial*.

My view is that it's basically use your common sense, as with the care packages we're already sending. It is illogical to send a parcel full of stuff that will get our guys into trouble, so don't!


And keep up the great work.


*I have no idea on the reasoning behind the cordial ban, but I will fess up to sending some to Afghanistan.